People | The Mckenzie Banner

Members of the West Tennessee Public Television Council, Inc. announce the appointment of Peter Noll as the station’s new general manager and CEO. Noll begins at West Tenn. PBS (WLJT-TV) January 2023. more

1/3/23

Katie Wells Named Director of HCMC’s Women’s Center

PARIS — Katie Wells, RN, BSN, is the new director of the Women’s Center at Henry County Medical Center. The Women’s Center is a state-of-the-art birthing experience from pre-natal to post-natal. more

1/3/23

State Representative Tandy Darby Speaks to Youth Leadership

State Representative Tandy Darby (R-Greenfield) spoke to Youth Leadership Carroll County on December 7. more

1/3/23

Nancy Bean

Nancy Bean has been part of the Bethel University community since she was three years old. Today, as incoming chair of the Board of Trustees, she continues serving the institution that has meant so much to her over the years. more

By Karen Forester
features@mckenziebanner.com | 1/3/23

Joe McGuigan celebrates his graduation from Bethel University.

Veteran Enters New Stage of Life After Graduating

McKENZIE — For Joe McGuigan, graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in History on December 10 from Bethel University was just the next chapter in an already full and wildly diverse life. more

1/3/23

Pictured is Franklin Matthew, the HCMC New Year’s Baby born on January 1, 2023 at 6:53 a.m. to proud parents Ashley Orr and Justin Blankenship.

New Year Baby Makes His Debut on January 1 at HCMC

PARIS, Tenn. – Franklin Matthew made his debut at HCMC on January 1, 2023, becoming this year’s New Year Baby. He was born in the Women’s Center of Henry County Medical Center … more

1/3/23

Retired General Sessions Judge looks on as State Senator John Stevens reads a proclamation honoring Logan’s service to the judiciary.

Judge Logan Honored by Peers

HUNTINGDON (December 22) — Larry Logan was honored for his service to the judiciary by the Carroll County Bar Association on Thursday, December 22 at 4 p.m. Logan served as the Carroll County General Sessions Judge and Juvenile Judge for 41 years. more

12/27/22

UT-Martin Chancellor Keith Carver gives Will McBride as fist bump as McBride receives his diploma.

Will McBride Graduates from UT-Martin

Will McBride, of McKenzie, received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering Dec. 10 during the University of Tennessee at Martin fall commencement held in the Kathleen and Tom Elam … more

12/21/22

John Rufli, executive director of Friends of LBL and Kathy Ham, president of McKenzie Rotary Club.

Rotary Members Learn About LBL

McKENZIE — John Rufli, executive director of Friends of Land Between the Lakes, was the featured speaker at the Rotary Club of McKenzie on Tuesday, December 6. more

12/20/22

Rotary Tours Pottery Direct — Kathy Ham, Nick Davis (Pottery Direct), Hugo van Woerden (Pottery Direct), Dennis Mack, Anderson, Jill Holland, James Terrell, Ed Perkins, Henk van Woerden (Pottery Direct), Josh Crocker (Pottery Direct), John Adams and Jan Latimer.

Rotary Club Tours Pottery Direct

McKENZIE (November 22) — Members of the Rotary Club of McKenzie toured Pottery Direct, one of McKenzie’s newest manufacturers on Tuesday, November 22. The company is located in the North McKenzie Industrial Park (Airport Park). more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 12/20/22

McKenzie High School Class of 1967 Reunion (October 2022) — Front Row (L to R): Edward Sexton, Cathy Washburn Bullard, Nancy Bridges Barker, Geneva Gilliam Johnson, Shirley Martin, Meredith Edwards Lampley, Janet Mayo Doster, Linda Lowrance Brown and Newsom Baker. Back Row (L to R): Tommy Smith, John McCadams, Wayford Washburn, Jr., Kerry Campbell, Jimmy Bennett, David Barnes, Dennis Sutton, Charles Felts, Jim Padgett and Dennis Taylor.

McKenzie Class of 1967 Holds 55-Year Reunion

Members of the McKenzie High School Class of 1967 held their 55-year reunion on October 8 at McKenzie Church of Christ. more

12/20/22

Members of the 2022 WestTeach class graduated December 13 at UT Martin. First Row (L to R): Alyssa Bynum, Dresden Elementary School; Deana Sain, Bolivar Middle School; Haley Williams, Crockett County High School; Ann Johnson, Munford High School; Bethany Enochs, East Elementary (Humboldt); Taylor Record, Dyer Elementary School; Ariell White, Anderson Early Childhood Center (Haywood County); Lauren Mathis, Dyersburg Intermediate School; and Virginia Grimes, WestStar assistant director. Second Row (L to R): Jennifer Black, WestStar program manager; Bellis May, Hardin County High School; Melissa Berry, Henry County High School; Candi Collier, Milan High School; Jennifer Walls, Trenton Rosenwald Middle School; Holly Meyer, Briarwood Elementary (Camden); Crystal Prince, Lake County High School; and Monica Robbins, Holice Powell School (Dyer County). Third Row (L to R): Dr. Charley Deal, vice chancellor, UT Martin Division of University Advancement; Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor; and Dana Paramenter, Ripley High School. Fourth Row (L to R): Jamie Knott, South Fulton High School; Tabias Hood, Tipton Rosemark Academy (Millington); Clayton Morris, West Carroll Jr./Sr. High School; Spencer Ezell, Huntingdon High School; Wes Holmes, Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School; Bob Sparks, Jackson Central-Merry Early College High; and Rebecca Rainey, Lexington High School. (Not pictured is Lisa Forsythe, McNairy Central High School.)

Ezell, Morris Among WestTeach Graduates

MARTIN — Alyssa Bynum and Bob Sparks live in different West Tennessee communities, but they share some things in common. Both are successful teachers, both are dedicated educators, and both are now WestTeach graduates. They were members of the fourth WestTeach class that graduated Dec. 13 at the University of Tennessee at Martin. more

12/20/22

(L to R): Jackson Cassidy, Zack Aird, Marquez Taylor (holding the gold champion ball trophy), Coach Wade Comer and Rotary Vice-President Spiros Roditis.

Rotary Donates to Football Program

McKENZIE (December 13) — Rotary Club of McKenzie donated $1,000 to the McKenzie Rebels football program in an effort to purchase championship rings for the 2022 Class 1A State Championships. more

12/20/22

Watkins is Retiring From McKenzie School District

McKENZIE (December 6) — Lynn Watkins, 59, is retiring from his position as director of schools on June 30, 2023. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 12/13/22

Jackson Cassidy wears the Titans jersey gifted to him by the Titans Foundation.

Jackson Cassidy Named Mr. Football

NASHVILLE (December 7) — Jackson Cassidy is the Class 1A Mr. Football. The senior quarterback for McKenzie was one of three finalists including Kumaro Brown of Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering and Isaiah Thomison of Fayetteville High School. more

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com | 12/13/22

Jeff and April Wilson announce their new business, Pet Wants Jackson, a company providing fresh pet foods.

McKenzie Couple Launches Pet Wants in Northwest Tennessee

McKENZIE — Jeff and April Wilson are excited to be serving their hometown of McKenzie and surrounding area through the launch of their premium, fresh pet food and supplies company, Pet Wants Jackson. more

12/6/22

Bobby and Cindy Gaylord volunteering at a Bethel University freshman event.

Bobby Gee’s Diner Celebrates 10th Anniversary

McKENZIE — Bobby Gee’s Diner is celebrating its tenth anniversary on December 12 and is hosting a celebration. more

12/6/22

Kasey Muench of Paris is the new executive director of the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Board

Kasey Muench is New Regional Tourism Director

The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Board hired Kasey Muench to be the new executive director. This position is responsible for working throughout the nine-county region to promote and encourage … more

11/30/22

Ethan Travis and Billy Hollowell of the McKenzie Parks Department, Carol Morrissett, Mayor Jill Holland, Judy Davis, Judith Winters and Donna Hodge stand beside a cherry tree planted in honor of Mayor Holland.

Tree Planted, Dedicated to Mayor Holland

McKENZIE (November 22) — Morning Glory Garden Club planted a cherry tree on the campus of McKenzie City Hall in honor of Mayor Jill Holland. more

11/29/22

Mayor Jill Holland (center) recognized Steve Watson (left) and Garrett Burns (right) on November 22 for their service on the McKenzie City Council. The two councilmen retired from their positions and did not seek re-election.

Retiring McKenzie Councilmen Honored

Mayor Jill Holland recognized Steve Watson and Garrett Burns on November 22 for their service on the McKenzie City Council. more

11/29/22